WCDO Radio News

32 year old Michael Fegley of Florida was sentenced in US District Court to 108 months’ imprisonment and 15 years’ supervised release for transporting child pornography and traveling with intent to engage in unlawful sexual activity with what he thought was a 13-year-old child. Fegley admitted that he traveled from Florida to upstate New York intending to engage in unlawful sexual conduct with a purported 13-year-old child. He also admitted that he brought with him about 1,000 images and videos depicting child pornography that he had obtained on the internet. Fegley was also ordered to pay $25,000 in restitution and various special assessments, and he will be required to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison.

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the launch of a new, decade-long survey effort designed to assess gambling behaviors of New Yorkers and evaluate where additional problem gambling-related services and supports may be needed. The New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports is administering and overseeing the survey effort. More information can be viewed at oasas.ny.gov. New Yorkers struggling with an addiction can call the state’s toll-free, helpline at 1-877-8-HOPENY (1-877-846-7369).

A.M. NEWS Wednesday 4-29-26

Oneonta's new transit hub on Market Street was the site of a ribbon cutting Tuesday, which was attended by New York Secretary of State Walter Mosley. The Hub has been open since December, The funding came from a State Downtown Revitalization grant that led to the construction of a new building, and the demolition of an old municipal parking garage.

Voters in the 16 component districts of DCMO BOCES have approved a $44.4 million capital project. The project proposed repairs and upgrades to both the Harrold Campus in Sidney Center and the Pole Campus in Norwich, an addition to the Harrold Campus, and the purchase of the Masonville School site for student program expansion. DCMO BOCES Superintendent Michael Rullo told WCDO News about the timeline after the positive vote:

(Michael Rullo 2-5-26)

The components of the project were approved by about 2/3rds of the voters on average, More information is available at visit dcmoboces.com.

A.M. NEWS Thursday 2-5-26

State Police arrested a father and son in Broome County following the execution of a search warrant by the Troop C Violent Gangs and Narcotics Enforcement Team, Troop C Community Stabilization Unit, Vestal Police Department and the State Office of Cannabis Management. The search warrant is the result of a several months-long investigation at 448 Robin Lane in the Town of Vestal. Police seized 8 pounds of cannabis, 3 pounds of cannabis concentrate plus cash, Cell Phones and a PC Tablet, they arrested 22 year old Tyler Dickerson of Endicott on multiple counts of Criminal Possession of Cannabis, and 41 year old William Dickerson of Vestal on the Cannabis charges, plus Resisting Arrest & Obstructing Governmental Administration, Both men were processed and issued appearance tickets to appear at the Vestal Town Court on February 19.

P.M. NEWS THURSDAY 7-24-25

The Delaware County Sheriff's Office announced the subsequent arrest of 44 year old Brent Trimbell of Hobart following a child sex abuse investigation and initial arrest from June 17th, when he was charged with 1st degree Rape, 2 counts of Aggravated Sexual Abuse & 1 count of Endangering the Welfare of a Child, at that time Trimbell was remanded to the Delaware County Jail on $300,000 cash bail or $600,000 secured bond. Investigators discovered that Trimbell sent at least 6 videos or images to a child of a pornographic nature, on Wednesday Trimbell was arrested on 6 more counts of Disseminating Indecent Material to a Minor, at the Delaware County Correctional Facility following Trimbell’s release on bond from the initial charges. Trimbell was later arraigned by Town of Walton Justice Michael Rippa, where the Delaware County District Attorney’s Office argued for bail at $100,000 cash or $200,000 secured property bond on the additional charges, Justice Rippa set bail at $1.00 and Trimbell was released from custody. Delaware County District Attorney Shawn Smith explains:

(Shawn Smith 7-24-25)

Delaware County Sheriff Craig DuMond also commented:

(DuMond 7-24-25)

Sheriff DuMond said that the investigation remains open and ongoing, anyone with information on any illegal activities committed by Trimbell are encouraged to contact the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office.

The Borden Hose Company in Mount Upton, will hold their annual Community day this Saturday, from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. The day will include vendors, a LifeNet Demonstration, car show & music from the Beadle Brothers. More information is available at 434-1636.

A.M. NEWS Thursday 7-24-25

State Police are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying 2 individuals connected to a burglary that occurred on May 27, 2025, on Colesville Road in the town of Kirkwood. The suspects were last seen operating a 2010 Honda Civic with Pennsylvania license plate MNM7338. Pictures of the suspects & the vehicle can be found on the State Police Facebook page, Police stated that Please should not approach the individuals, who may be in possession of long guns. If you have any information about the suspects or know their whereabouts, contact New York State Police at (607)561-7400.

P.M. NEWS MONDAY 1-20-25

The Raymond Corporation in Greene is holding a job Fair tomorrow at their Facility in Greene, Raymond President Michael Field Comments:

(Michael Field 1-21-25)

The Job Fair will run from 12:00 Noon until 6:00 PM< more information is available at info.raymondcorp.com/jobfair

Chenango County Sheriff’s Office arrested 41 year old Shawn Taylor of Utica on a variety of drug charges following a a month-long investigation into drug sales, Taylor is accused of traveling to Chenango County from Utica and selling Crack Cocaine. On January 17th, 2025 a search warrant was executed in the City of Norwich on Taylor and his vehicle, a quantity of packaged Crack Cocaine was located. Taylor was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Chenango County Sheriff's Office for processing. Taylor is currently being held without bail at the Chenango County Correctional Facility.

The State Department of Health today announced that as the transmission of seasonal respiratory illnesses is underway, the State’s weekly flu reports and Flu Tracker website have been activated. The Department’s first Weekly Report for the week ending October 19, shows there were 565 lab-confirmed cases reported across the state, with 26 people hospitalized and 5 outbreaks were reported in long-term and acute care facilities. More information is available at health.ny.gov

The Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce announced that their Annual Commitment to Community Dinner will be on on Saturday, at the Bainbridge Community Center. This year's honorees for Co-Citizens of the Year are Christine Smith and Michael Kauffman, Businesses of the Year: Bob's Diner and Payne's Cranes, the Business of Distinction: VIP Payroll and Tax Services & the Service Organization of the Year is the Bainbridge Fire Department.

Rochester Police Chief David Smith gave updates today regarding the January 1st 12:50 AM crash & explosion of 2 SUV's outside the Kodak Center Parking lot. Rochester Police & the FBI investigated the possibility of a terrorist act as there were numerous gas cans in the suspects rented vehicle. The suspect, Michael Avery of Syracuse may have suffered from undiagnosed mental health problems, he died Monday night in an area hospital, 2 other people died in the incident. The investigation revealed that Avery drove to Rochester on Wednesday, checked into a hotel, renting the SUV at the local airport, bought several gas cans & gasoline, Police on the scene said that he sped up as Police were guiding motorists out of the concert venue parking lot. Avery did not leave behind any terrorist manifesto, but the investigation is continuing.

5 New Laws went into effect yesterday in New York State, 1 new law states that Lifeguards can be 15 years old if they are directly supervised, another is that Non-public schools in New York will have to provide free menstrual products for female students, The minimum wage in will increase to $15 per hour outside of New York City, Long Island & Westchester Counties, also, the minimum age to operate an ATV in New York will go from 10 to 14 & Colleges will be required to post campus crime statistics on their websites and to investigate hate crimes. The institutions will also be responsible for informing students about how they plan to prevent hate crimes.

Train Traffic Along the Mohawk River Corridor has come to a halt today, following a freight train derailment in the town of Amsterdam. State Route 5 has been closed down as well to allow for easy access by emergency personnel. the clean up is ongoing & they hope to have train travel running again as soon as possible.

47 year old Daniel Greaves of Endicott was arrested by the Broome County Special Investigations Unit Task Force after they executed a narcotics search warrant in Endicott. Greaves was charged with a number of counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance plus criminal possession of a firearm, officers seized Cocaine, Methamphetamine, Tramadol Hydrochloride along with scales & packaging materials used for selling narcotics, along with a Shotgun & $620 in cash. Greaves was taken to Central Arraignment at the Broome County Sheriff’s Correctional Facility.

37 year old Michael Salamey of Frankfort appeared in Delaware County Court Wednesday & a 2 Count Indictment was unsealed Salamey was charged with Grand Larceny for allegedly stealing over $360,000, by entering into a contract to improve property in the Town of Roxbury. The Indictment said that the owner of the property paid Salamey the money to install a septic system, underground electric utilities, foundations, and small homes & that the work was not performed & her stopped communicating with the property owner. Salamey was released & a conference is scheduled in Delaware County Court on August 21st.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 8-4-23

The Spiedie Fest begins today & continues through Sunday, spokesman Dave Pessagno told WCDO News about some of the many highlights scheduled this year:

(Dave Pessagno 8-4-23)

Due to the Weather, some of today's events are being moved to the Visions Veterans Memorial Arena in Binghamton, including the meet and greet with Kurt Angle from 3:00 to 6:00 PM, and tonight's concert featuring John Waite and Tommy DeCarlo will begin at 6:00 PM, the remainder of today’s activities will go on as planned at Otsiningo Park, The full line up of events is available at spiediefest.com.

Afton residents and business owners John & Judy Hinman purchased the land & the Carriage house, at the site of the former Silo Restaurant on Moran Road in Greene, they told WCDO news about their “Sneak Peak” tomorrow at the site:

(Hinman 8-4-23)

3 local bands will perform at the Sneak Peak tomorrow, The Hinman’s said that the long range plan is to have many of the events that were previously held at the Silo Restaurant, at the New Silo Retreat.

The Village of Sidney is continuing with their Water Improvement project, Village Mayor Andy Matviak said that the installation of Water Meters will begin shortly:

(Andy Matviak 2-28-23)

Matviak said that currently crews are working on running new lines under the Susquehanna River into the village to bring water from a new water source into the village, as the village is looking to remove the long standing Manganese problem out of the water supply.

Broome County Sheriff's Deputies arrested 31 year old Michael Kimball for Criminal Possession of Stolen Property, Unlawful Fleeing a Police Officer in a Motor Vehicle, plus many other charges, following a stolen vehicle pursuit in the Town of Dickinson Sunday. Deputies joined a pursuit of an SUV initiated by Binghamton Police, Kimball failed to stop and led police on a pursuit on Chenango Street, Kimball collided with a pickup truck that was blocking the road, which was placed there by Robert Parks of Binghamton, who was the owner of the stolen SUV. After the collision, Parks got into a scuffle with Kimball through the driver’s side window, Kimball reversed, dragging Parks along the pavement and colliding a second time with the Park’s truck, Kimball fled again, Deputies took him into custody a short time later. Kimball was issued 3 appearance tickets and 19 traffic tickets before being transported to Binghamton Police to face separate charges, he faces action in the Town of Dickinson Court at a later date.

A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 2-28-23

Hancock Fire Department responded early Monday morning to 57 East Main Street for a structure fire, occupants escaped, but 2 firefighters received minor injuries & were treated at the scene. Hancock received mutual aid from Deposit, East Branch Fire, and Northern Wayne Fire departments. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

At least 3 people were killed in a crash in Newark Valley This Morning. The Tioga County Sheriff’s Office reported that a vehicle traveling along Route 38 struck several pedestrians, at least 1 person was taken by a medial; helicopter to an unidentified trauma center, The Sheriff’s Office will release more information following family notification.

Bassett Healthcare Network will continue to require masks for all people in patient care and public areas of their buildings, including in hospitals, clinics, long-term care and rehabilitation facilities, and school-based health centers. Bassett Officials said that COVID-19 and influenza community transmission rates in Central New York remain high or substantial & the State Department of Health's latest safety guidance continues to affirm the importance of masking as a key infection prevention tool. Bassett's experts in Infection Prevention and other disciplines will continue to monitor community transmission levels and proceed forward with safety measures that are aligned with CDC guidance and in the best interest of our patients and communities.

P.M. NEWS FRIDAY 1-27-23

Otsego County Sheriff’s deputies arrested 2 area residents after they were stopped driving a stolen vehicle. Deputies stopped the vehicle on Oneida Street in Oneonta, it had been reported stolen earlier that day. 45 year old Tressa Becker of Unadilla and 54 year old Michael Hartley were arrested for criminal possession of stolen property, criminal possession of to controlled substance, deputies seized heroin and fentanyl from the vehicle. Becker was released on an appearance ticket. Hartley was wanted on an active bench warrant and was being held at the Otsego County Jail.

U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $8.5 million for essential infrastructure and long-desired community development projects across the Southern Tier. This federal funding was secured by the senators as Congressional directed spending in the end-of-year budget for Fiscal Year 2023. $2,850,000 was confirmed for the City of Norwich Water Main Replacement project, due to begin in April.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 1-27-23

43 year old Jeremie Hoyt of Davenport pleaded guilty to 1 count of 1st-degree course of sexual conduct against a child, in Delaware County Court. The Delaware County District Attorney's Office announced that Hoyt appeared in court for a scheduled hearing on January 17 and instead of moving forward with the hearing, he entered a guilty plea, for performing sexual acts on a child younger than 13 years old on 2 occasions between January and August of 2019. Hoyt will be sentenced to 20 years in jail and 10 years of post-release supervision, he will be required to register as a sex offender, sentencing is scheduled for March 6th.

P.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 1-4-23

Delaware County Sheriff's Office arrested 36 year old Derrik Koehler of Walton for operating a motor vehicle while the registration or privilege is suspended, along with other charges, following a motor vehicle accident. On December 11th, Deputies were dispatched to an accident in the Town of Walton, Koehler was the driver of the vehicle, which had improper plates. On December 31st, Deputies arrested Koehler, He was scheduled to appear before the Town of Walton Court at a later date.

State Police issued 32,934 tickets and arrested 453 people for impaired driving during the National DWI Crackdown which started on Wednesday, December 14, 2022, and continued through New Year's Day on Sunday, January 1, 2023. Troopers arrested 453 people for DWI and investigated 4,417 accidents, which resulted in 528 people being injured and eight fatalities.

A.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 1-4-23

The State Department of Health reported that influenza activity remains widespread in New York, it's the 12th consecutive week of widespread activity reported this season. The Department’s latest flu surveillance report, through December 24, shows a total of 255,981 positive influenza cases across all 62 counties have been reported to date, there were 43 outbreaks in acute care and long-term care facilities & 5 influenza-associated pediatric deaths have been reported for the season. COVID 19 cases continue to trend upward, the latest report had a positivity rate over 10%, with 30 deaths reported in hospitals & nursing homes.

Delaware County Sheriff's Office announced the arrest of 30-year-old Michael Vogel of Delhi. On December 27th, Deputies picked up Vogel at the Village of Sidney Police Department, he was arrested on the Bench Warrant for failure to appear. Vogel was arraigned & was released on his own recognizance, he was ordered to appear in court at a later date.

The State officials are warning New Yorkers to kill the invasive spotted lanternfly, which were located on Staten Island 2 summers ago, they have migrated throughout New York City, Long Island and into the Hudson Valley. The Spotted Lanternfly feeds on 70 species of plants, including several important New York crops that are important to the state's agricultural economy. Anyone who sees a spotted lanternfly is asked to fill out a survey so the Department of Agriculture at survey123.arcgis.com.

Chobani will host the World Refugee Forum Today online. Chobani founder and CEO Hamdi Ulukaya stated that they have successfully brought many refugees to work in their plants, Speakers will include Ulukaya, Congressmen Michael McCaul of Texas & Jason Crow of Colorado; among others, The virtual event will be held at 1:00 PM, it is free and open to the public. To register go to chobanirefugeeforum.com.

The renovations at the Northeast Classic Car Museum at 24 Rexford Street in Norwich have been completed after a year long construction project. The front of the building has been completed renovated and a larger parking facility was added across the street. The Northeast Classic Car Museum is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM every day except for major holidays, more information on the Northeast Classic Car Museum can be found at classiccarmuseum.org, or on their Facebook page.

Otsego County Sheriff's Office arrested Michael Morton of Exeter on June 26th on multiple drug charges, after deputies responded to a complaint of a suspicious person in the Town of Plainfield. Morton is accused of criminal possession of a controlled substance and two counts of a controlled substance not in original container, he faces court action at a later date.

A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 7-5-22

Governor Kathy Hochul announced the passage of a resolution to write equal rights into the State Constitution, to solidify the right to abortion access in New York. When enacted, the amendment will add ethnicity, national origin, age, disability, and sex, including sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, pregnancy outcomes, and reproductive healthcare to existing protections, This follows the recent Supreme Court decision which removed federal protections for abortion.

P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 6-28-22

Delaware County Sheriff's Deputies arrested 66 year old Dzemil Mujanovic of Meredith for Criminal Possession of a Weapon and Criminal Contempt. Deputies received information June 17th that Mujanovic was in possession of several long guns that he failed to surrender to Sheriffs Deputies as stipulated in a Family Court Order of protection. Deputies determined that Mujanovic was in possession 7 long guns, which were taken from his residence, he was released on an appearance ticket returnable to the Meredith Town Court at a later date.

Broome County District Attorney Michael Korchak announced that 32 year old Kyle Finch of Binghamton, was sentenced to 1 to 3 years in state prison after failing to register as a sex offender for the second time. Finch failed to provide an address change to local law enforcement from 2019 through 2021, as required by state law, Finch was convicted in 2016, in Chenango County, of Disseminating Indecent Material to a Minor, he was designated as a Level 2 Sex Offender.

THE 60TH GENERAL CLINTON CANOE REGATTA WAS HELD OVER THE MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND WITH PARTICIPATION FROM 28 STATES AND CANADA. THE WEEKEND EVENT FEATURED OVER 800 CANOE RACERS OF ALL AGES INCLUDING THE FAMOUS 70 MILE ENDURANCES FROM COOPERSTOWN TO BAINBRIDGE. IN THE TWO PERSON PRO RACE, STEVE LAJOIE FROM QUEBEC AND MIKE DAVIS FROM MICHIGAN TOOK FIRST PLACE HONORS. IT WAS LAJOIE'S 11TH REGATTA VICTORY AND DAVIS' FIRST WIN. FIRST TIME REGATTA PADDLER, JAKE CROTSER FROM ONEONTA AND HIS PARTNER MATT MEERSMAN FROM INDIANA WERE 6TH OVERALL. CROTSER SPOKE WITH CRAIG STEVENS AFTER THE RACE...

(NEWS REGATTA 2022-JAKE CROTSER)

REBECCA DAVIS FROM MICHIGAN PADDLED WITH 6 TIME PRO WINNER NORMAN MAINGUY FROM QUEBEC AND TALKED ABOUT HOW THEY COMMUNICATED, SINCE MAINGUY DOESN'T SPEAK ENGLISH.

(NEWS REGATTA 2022-REBECCA DAVIS)

DAVIS AND MAINGUY WERE 10TH OVERALL IN THE 49 TEAM FIELD AND THE FIRST MIXED TEAM TO CROSS THE FINISH LINE. REBECCA IS THE DAUGHTER OF LONGTIME MICHIGAN PADDLERS BRUCE AND ROXANNE BARTON. NORMAND HAS WON THE CLINTON PRO CLASS 6 TIMES WITH ALL TIME REGATTA CHAMPION SERGE CORBIN. CORBIN HAS 28 WINS AT THE CLINTON.

THE 60TH RUNNING OF THE GENERAL CLINTON CANOE REGATTA WAS HELD THIS PAST MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND. OVER 800 CANOE RACERS FROM 28 STATES AND CANADA PARTICIPATED IN THE REGATTA INCLUDING THE FAMOUS 70 MILER, WORLD'S LONGEST ONE DAY FLAT WATER RIVER RACE. TED KENYON FROM CONNECTICUT TOOK FIRST PLACE IN THE ONE MAN AMATUER 50 YEARS AND OLDER DIVISION WITH A TIME OF 9 HOURS 10 MINUTES AND 31 SECONDS. HE TOLD WCDO HOW MUCH HE AND OTHER PADDLERS MISSED THE RACE THE LAST TWO YEARS.

(NEWS REGATTA 2022-TED KENYON)

4 PADDLERS WERE INDUCTED INTO THE REGATTA HALL OF FAME INCLUDING 10 TIME REGATTA WINNER, ANDY TRIEBOLD FROM MICHIGAN, 32 TIME FINISHER BOB VINCENT FROM ONTARIO,CANADA, 100 YEAR OLD MIKE FREMONT FROM OHIO AND LOCAL 21 HUNDRED MILE CLUB MEMBER, JOHN YOUNG FROM RICHMONDVILLE. TWO CONTRIBUTORS WERE ALSO VOTED IN. THEY INCLUDED PAST REGATTA CHAIRMAN AND VOLUNTEER, ED HROMADA POSTHUMOUSLY AND 13 TIME REGATTA CHAIRMAN, JOHN HARMON.

A.M. NEWS Tuesday 5-31-22

THE 60TH RUNNING OF THE GENERAL CLINTON CANOE REGATTA WAS HELD OVER THE WEEKEND WITH OVER 800 CANOE RACERS ON THE SUSQUEHANNA RIVER. THIS YEAR'S 70 MILE ENDURANCE RACES WERE HELD ON SUNDAY AND FEATURED PADDLERS FROM 28 STATES AND CANADA. WCDO'S CRAIG STEVENS SPOKE WITH LONG TIME PADDLERS GARY APREA FROM AUSTERLITZ NEW YORK AND GLORIA WESLEY FROM MASSACHUSETTS, 2 OF THE MEMBERS OF THIS YEAR'S FIRST PLACE 4 PERSON PRO RACE...

(NEWS REGATTA 2022-GLORIA & GARY)

THEY BEAT THE 2ND PLACE CANOE BY 3 MINUTES AND 33 SECONDS. GARY WAS INDUCTED INTO THE REGATTA HALL OF FAME IN 2014 AND THIS YEAR MARKED HIS 44TH REGATTA FINISH. IN THE 70 MILE ONE PERSON PRO RACE, BEN SCHLIMMER FROM CAMILLUS, NEW YORK TOOK TOP HONORS FINISHING THE RACE IN 8 HOURS 41 MINUTES AND 12 SECONDS. SCHLIMMER TALKED ABOUT THE LOW WATER LEVELS THIS YEAR.

(NEWS REGATTA 2022-BEN SCHLIMMER)

2ND PLACE C1 PRO, KEVIN OLSON FROM FLORIDA CROSSED THE FINISH LINE 10 MINUTES BEHIND SCHLIMMER AND SAID BEN IS AT ANOTHER LEVEL...

(NEWS REGATTA 2022-KEVIN OLSON)

KEVIN'S FATHER, RICK OLSON HAS RACED THE CLINTON OVER 30 TIMES AND WAS INDUCTED INTO THE HALL OF FAME IN 2019.

THE 60TH GENERAL CLINTON CANOE REGATTA WAS HELD OVER THE MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND . SCOUT, YOUTH, SPRINT, AND RELAY RACERS COMPETED ON SATURDAY AND THE FAMOUS 70 MILE ENDURANCE RACES FROM COOPERSTOWN TO BAINBRIDGE WERE HELD ON SUNDAY. OVER 800 PADDLERS FROM 28 STATES AND CANADA COMPETED. IN THE TWO PERSON PRO RACE, CANADA'S STEVE LAJIOE WON HIS 11TH CLINTON WITH PARTNER, MICHAEL DAVIS FROM MICHIGAN. THEY SPOKE WITH CRAIG STEVENS AFTER THE RACE...

(NEWS REGATTA 2022-LAJOIE & DAVIS)

THIS YEAR'S TWO PERSON PRO RACE FEATURED ONE OF THE BIGGEST FIELDS IN THE LAST TWENTY YEARS WITH 49 TEAMS AND SOME OF THE BIGGEST NAMES IN CANOE RACING COMPETING FOR THE 3 THOUSAND DOLLAR PRIZE. LOCAL TOP TEN PRO FINISHERS INCLUDED JAKE CROTSER FROM ONEONTA AND HIS PARTNER, MATT MEERSMAN FROM INDIANA IN 6TH PLACE AND RYAN ZAVERAL FROM UNADILLA WITH HIS PARTNER, PATRICK MADDEN FROM SCOTIA, NEW YORK IN 9TH PLACE.

P.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 3-2-22

State Police arrested 60 year old Michael McBride of Oneonta for 2nd degree assault, tampering with physical evidence & criminal possession of a controlled substance, following an investigation into a February 24th domestic dispute. McBride is accused using a box cutter on a victim, he left the scene & was apprehended by troopers on State Route 7. McBride was arraigned & remanded to the Otsego County Jail pending court action..

New York’s Republican Party leaders nominated Congressman Lee Zeldin as their candidate for governor Tuesday at a convention on Long Island. Zeldin will still face a primary challenge in June, as 4 other candidates are also pushing to be the Republican Gubernatorial nominee.

Governor Kathy Hochul announced a plan to expand healthcare worker vaccine mandates to include employees that work in the Officer of Mental Health and the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities. Employees in these agencies will need to show proof of a least 1 dose of the COVID-19 vaccine by November 1st, they will not have the option to receive weekly COVID testing. The requirement will apply to all employees who work at psychiatric hospitals and those working at specialty hospitals. Tomorrow, a previously enacted vaccine requirement will take effect for personnel at adult-care facilities, long-term health care programs, AIDS home care programs, hospice care along with other similar programs.

State DOT is advising motorists of long term single lane closures and crossovers on Interstate 88 between Exits 17 and 18 in the Town of Maryland; and Exits 19 to 21 in the Towns of Worcester and Richmondville,  to accommodate pavement renewal and bridge rehabilitation projects. Construction is expected through November 15th, when normal traffic patterns will resume until construction begins again in the spring of 2022.   Up-to-date travel information is available at 511, 511NY.org, or the mobile phone App.

Today is the 8th annual National Forklift Safety Day, Michael Field, president and CEO of The Raymond Corporation in Greene will speak on how operations can use intelligent warehouse solutions to train operators and pedestrians in a warehouse setting, it will be held virtually at 9:00 AM this morning.

Crews in Oneonta were working to restore water service to businesses & residents along River Street, following a water main break this morning near 274 River Street.  Water color or pressure may be compromised for a brief period after service is restored.

State Police reported Sunday that a father-to-be was killed & his brother was injured involving an exploding device that was to be used in a gender reveal in Liberty. 28-year-old Christopher Pekny was killed in the blast while constructing the device in Sullivan County, 27-year-old Michael Pekny of Liberty was injured & was taken to an area hospital.  The investigation is continuing.

A.M. NEWS MONDAY 2-22-21

The State Health Department statistics Saturday showed that the statewide positivity rate was down to 2.99% the lowest rate since November 23rd.   The state reported over 221,000 tested, with 6610 positive tests, patient  Hospitalization were down to 5,764, patients in an ICU Bed were down to 1,162 & the number on ventilators was down to 794, there were 75 deaths from COVID Saturday.

The State Health Department reported the 1st case of the South African variant has been identified in Long Island resident, last week, a Connecticut resident who had been hospitalized in New York City was found to have the South African variant.

Broome County District Attorney Michael Korchak announced today that 38 year old Derrick Cervini of Binghamton has been sentenced to 13 years in New York State prison and 20 years parole for 1st degree criminal sexual act.  Cervini was arrested for allegedly performing sexual acts with an underage female.

At 9:45 pm on Friday, Chenango County 911 received a report of a house fire at 61 Henry Street in the City of Norwich. The Norwich Fire Department with mutual aid from North Norwich & Plymouth Fire Departments and Chenango County Bureau of Fire responded to a working fire on the 2nd floor of the 2-story structure. The fire was knocked down quickly, 1 firefighter received minor injuries and was transported to the hospital. The cause of the fire was electrical.

Delaware County Public Health received 1 positive lab report for COVID-19 Friday. The County now has 83 total cases, 76 recoveries, 6 deaths, 1 person is isolated at home, no one is hospitalized, and 25 are quarantined.

State Department of Health officials announced nursing homes and long term care facilities in New York will be allowed to resume limited visitations for facilities that have been without COVID-19 for at least 28 days, nursing homes are required to send their plans in order to begin visitations, which will go into effect July 20th, more information is available at coronavirus.health.ny.gov.

A bill from Assemblywoman Didi Barrett and State Senate
Agriculture Chair Jen Metzger to protect New York’s livestock industry from the
Asian long horned tick was signed into law by the Governor this week.  The new law directs the DEC Commissioner to
include the Asian long horned tick on the State’s invasive species list and on
the DEC’s comprehensive plan for invasive species management, and also directs
the Commissioner of Agriculture and Markets to develop and distribute to
farmers an informational pamphlet on Asian long horned tick treatment,
management, and prevention.  The tick was
first reported in the United States in 2017, the 1st new tick
species to enter the country in 50 years, and is currently found in 7 states
including New York.

A City of Norwich resident was arrested by the Chenango
County Sheriff’s Office on a Fugitive from Justice Warrant.  Deputies arrested 33 year old Michael Bias of
Norwich as a Fugitive from Justice Warrant, after arresting him on other charges.
Bias was arraigned in the Chenango County Court and was remanded to the
Chenango County Jail, where he will be picked up by the Cumberland County
Sheriff’s Office at a later date.

State Police have arrested 40 year old Curtis Cuttino & 46 year old Michael McVicker of York Pennsylvania, in connection with the fatal shooting of an Apalachin man in his home on Dorothy Lane Thursday morning. Cuttino was apprehended a short distance away Thursday on the Vestal parkway, McVicker was apprehended in Monticello, both have been charged with 2nd degree murder & are being held without bail in the Broome County Jail.

The Ed Wessels Canoe Regatta will be held tomorrow on the Susquehanna River, sponsored by the Sidney Chamber of Commerce, long time area Paddler Ed Curley comments:

(Ed Curley 5-10-19)

Curley said that proceeds will benefit a Sidney high school
Senior interested in a Business degree, through the Sidney Dollars for Scholars
program.   Registration starts at 8:30
AM, the Post-race dinner and awards will be at the Elks Lodge in Sidney.

Minimum Wage employees across the state will see their paycheck go about for the New Year. New York City employees for large companies will see an increase to $15 dollars an hour; Long Island and Westchester County workers will see the minimum wage set at $12 dollars an hour, the rest of the state will see an increase to $11.10 an hour.

The state Department of Health says as of Thursday new cases of flu have been reported in 58 counties, including the five boroughs of New York City. Only Wyoming, Yates, Seneca and Hamilton counties are not reporting any cases yet. Officials say the number of people hospitalized with laboratory-confirmed flu was 363 this past week, a 41 percent increase over the previous week. So far this season more than 1,300 people have been hospitalized with the flu.

Delaware County Sheriff's Office responded to a tractor trailer accident on State Route 10 in the Town of Hamden Thursday Night. 41 year old Shaun Koch of Varysburg was driving a milk tanker on State Highway 10 when he ran off the right side of the roadway and the truck and trailer rolled over onto the side. Koch suffered a head injury and was transported to Delaware Valley Hospital in Walton where he was treated and released. A small quantity of milk was spilled as a result of the accident, the DEC Spill Response Team was notified, Koch was charged with Driving While Intoxicated with a Commercial Vehicle, moving from lane unsafely and criminal possession of a controlled substance, he was arraigned in the Town of Hamden Court and was remanded to the Delaware County Correctional Facility on $2,000 cash bail or $4,000 bond.

The Chenango United Way is in the last days of fundraising for 2019. Spokesperson Elizabeth Monaco comments:

(Elizabeth Monaco 12-28-18)

Monaco said that they are at 91% of their state goals of $419,000 for 2019.

The Fenimore Art Museum of Cooperstown announced that an exhibit of photos from famed photographer Herb Ritts will be displayed their next year. The Ritts exhibit will be on loan from the Rock & Roll hall Of Fame in Cleveland, featuring photos of David Bowie, Tina Turner, Michael Jackson, Paul McCartney, Elton John, Billy Joel, and Madonna. The exhibition opens on April 2nd & will be on display through early September.

Bethel Woods officials announced that the they will host the Music and Culture Festival, Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the 1969 Woodstock festival at the original site. The 3 day event will be held August 16th to the 18th at Bethel Woods, the line-up & the date of the sale of the ticket will be announced shortly.

State Police & Local Law Enforcement Agencies are participating in the "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" campaign again this year, during the Christmas & New Year’s Holiday season. Checkpoints will be established all over the state, last year, police issued over 40,000 tickets from DWI, Speeding, Distracted driving & failing to obey the "Move Over Law", among other infractions

Governor Cuomo announced that temporary lane closures for road and bridge construction projects on New York State highways will be suspended from 6:00 AM tomorrow through 6:00 AM Wednesday, January 2nd, to ease travel during the peak New Year's travel days. Some work may continue behind concrete barriers or for emergency repairs. The New York State Thruway Authority will also continue its 48-year tradition of offering free coffee and hot tea to travelers at all 27 travel plazas along the Thruway from 11:00 PM New Year's Eve through 7:00 AM New Year's morning to promote safe and alert driving.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 32-year-old Jamison Galietta of Hancock, for Tampering with Physical Evidence, Criminal Mischief, Menacing, Criminal possession of weapon, Criminal obstruction of breathing, and Harassment, following an investigation into a domestic dispute at his residence. Galietta was arraigned in the Town of Hancock Court and later remanded to the Delaware County Correctional Faculty on $25,000 cash bail pending action in the Town of Hancock Court at a later date.

The Johnson City Police Department arrested 26-year-old Tyler DeCamp of Deposit as the 5th person involved in the stabbing of 2 men at a Johnson City McDonalds last week. Decamp was charged with 2 counts of attempted murder, he is accused of stabbing both victims. He was taken into custody in Johnson City Thursday, 4 others were already charged in connection with the incident Monday. Decamp was being held at the Johnson City Police Department pending arraignment.

20-year-old Michael Roque of Long island was sentenced today in Broome County Court for the murder of Joao Souza on April 15 at Windham Hall on the Binghamton University campus. Roque pleaded guilty in September to 2nd degree murder, he was sentenced to 20 years in prison.

After much anticipation over the last few months, Amazon announced today that they have chosen New York and Northern Virginia to split the Internet giant's 2nd headquarters. Amazon announced it has chosen New York's Long Island City and Arlington Virginia, both locations will receive a $2.5 billion investment from Amazon, and each will have more than 25,000 workers over time. Hiring is expected to begin next year. The New Amazon Campus represents the largest Economic Development Project in New York State History, beating out 238 municipalities for the Amazon project.

The American Red Cross announced that they are facing a severe blood shortage and urgently needs blood and platelet donors to give now to avoid delays in lifesaving medical care for patients. Volunteer blood drive hosts are also critically needed to prevent the shortage from worsening this winter. During September and October, the Red Cross collected over 21,000 fewer blood and platelet donations than what hospitals needed. Blood donors of all blood types, especially type O, are urged to make an appointment to donate at RedCrossBlood.org or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS. Several Blood Drives will be held across the region in the coming days & weeks, after fewer blood drives in September and October coupled with hurricanes Michael and Florence, caused thousands of blood and platelet donations to go uncollected.

The Sidney-Oneonta Area chapter of the Disabled American Veterans needs volunteer drivers to bring vets to the Albany VA Hospital. Program Spokesman Ernest Thompson told WCDO News that volunteers would need to visit the Albany VA Hospital to become certified to volunteer:

(Ernest Thompson 10-19-18)

Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer driver for the disabled American Veterans can call Thompson at 764-8134 or Michael Alvin at 988-9330.

State Police arrested 36 year old Katie McKie of Unadilla for Identity Theft, after Troopers received a report on August 30, 2018 that the victim was notified by his credit report agency that a new credit card had been opened at a veterinary office in his name. The Victim told a troopers that he did not have any animals. After a more than month long investigation, troopers determined that McKie knew the victim and opened a credit card in his name. She was subsequently arrested and issued an appearance ticket returnable to the town of Unadilla Court on October 22nd.

State Police at Norwich arrested 36 year old Michael Brown of Pitcher for 3rd degree Assault, Menacing & Harassment, after Troopers responded to a physical dispute where Brown is accused of threatening 3 women with a pocket knife. Brown sustained lacerations and was treated at Chenango Memorial Hospital, he was taken into custody and arraigned & was remanded to the Chenango County Jail on $1,000 cash bail or $2,000 bond and is to appear in the town of Pitcher Court on October 16th, an order of protection was issued to all 3 women.

The State DOT announced that a long-term winter traffic pattern on State Route 7 over Kelsey Brook in Afton will go into effect during this week. Traffic will be shifted from the westbound lane to the new portion of the bridge on the eastbound side over Kelsey Brook. Temporary traffic signals will control traffic.

Tomorrow is “World No Tobacco Day”, where the health risks associated with tobacco products are highlighted, in the hope that people will quit smoking, or never start. In 1964, US Surgeon General C. Everett Koop released his landmark report about the health dangers of smoking, but tobacco companies have been resilient in recruiting young people to take up the habit, with the latest dangerous products like “Juul” hitting the market, with fruity flavors, novelty appearances designed to attract youth to nicotine, according to Linda Wegner of “Advancing Tobacco Free Communities”:

(Linda Wegner 5-30-18)

Wegner was joined at WCDO by long time Sidney Businessman Whit Whitaker & His Wife Rosemary; who shared stories of how Tobacco addiction destroyed the lives of loved ones. Whit said that he smoked for a brief period as a young man and had an interesting story of how he quit.

(Whit Whitaker 5-30-18)

Rosemary Whitaker grew up in a house full of smokers, who died from various diseases associated with Tobacco, she tried it one & said that she knew that the advertisements of that time were false:

(Rosemary Whitaker 5-30-18)

The Whitakers became involved in the “Advancing Tobacco Free Communities” program following a Rotary Club presentation; more information is available at 518-255-5364.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Investigators arrested 31 year old Michael Fiske of Johnson City, on an Arrest Warrant issued by the Town of Davenport Court. The charges stem from a Criminal Contempt and Aggravated Family Offense case, Fiske was also charged with Aggravated Harassment from an incident in April. Fiske was arraigned at the Town of Davenport Court and was released on his own recognizance and is scheduled to appear at the Davenport Town Court at a later date.

Bassett Healthcare Network announced that William Streck will return to the organization to assume the role of President and CEO, following the decision by current CEO Vance Brown to step down effective April 20th, , to pursue opportunities outside of Bassett. Streck served as Bassett’s President & CEO from 1984 to 2014, he then joined the Healthcare Association of New York State as Chief Medical and Health Systems Innovation Officer. Streck will also be tasked with developing a long-term leadership strategy for Bassett Healthcare Network. Last fall, William LeCates, was appointed acting president of Bassett Medical Center and will be president of Bassett Medical Center when the network CEO transition is completed.

Delaware County Chamber of Commerce along with other agencies, is transforming the former Andel inn of Andes into an agri-business incubator, called the " Delaware County Foodworks Plus", Chamber President Ray Pucci explains:

(Ray Pucci 3-20-18)

The Inn was purchased last month by the Delaware County IDA for $320,000.

State Police arrested 25 year old Chad Darwesh of Schenectady for Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance and Criminally Using Drug Paraphernalia, Unlawful Possession of Marihuana and Controlled Substances in Non-Original Container and several traffic infractions. Troopers observed Darwesh speeding on Interstate 88 in Otego, A passenger 30 year old Michael Horton of Schenectady, was charged with Unlawful Possession of Marihuana. Darwesh was arraigned in the town of Otego Court and remanded to the Otsego County Jail on $1,000 cash bail or $2,000 bond.

Delaware County Sheriff Deputy’s arrested 48 year old Michael Wright of Walton for DWI & Aggravated Unlicensed Operation, after deputies observed a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed in the Town of Tompkins. Wright is also accused of driving with a revoked license; he was arraigned in the Town of Hamden Court & was remanded to the Delaware County Jail on $500 cash bail. Wright is to re-appear in the Town of Tompkins Court at a later date.

The Oneonta Police Department is investigating the death of State University student Daniel Michaels of Dix Hills Saturday, preliminary reports suggest that a combination of drugs & alcohol led to a cardiac arrest, which led to the death the 18-year-old. Michaels was found passed out at a fraternity at 34 Academy Street in Oneonta early Saturday, he was taken to Fox Hospital where he was later pronounced deceased. The full toxicology report is not expected for another 4 weeks, the investigation is ongoing. State University of Oneonta announced that they are offering additional counseling services to students affected by the Michael's death.

Long time Otsego County Area entrepreneur Eugene Bettiol Sr. passed away at the age of 85. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, December 10 from 1:00 to 4:00 PM. at Foothills Performing Arts Center in Oneonta. Contributions may be made to the Foothills Performing Arts Center.